Editor’s Note: We continue our recent series of QTs from the RBR Crew this this week’s brief-but-worthy submission from Coach Dan Kehlenbach. After Dan offers his tip, I’ll add a bit to it at the end. Here’s what he writes:
I try and file a “ride plan” with my wife and let her know the general route I plan on taking, just in case something happens.
If I change plans while en route, I’ll send her a text.
I then close my ride plan with her when I’m done to make sure she knows I’ve arrived home safely (when she’s away from home).
I always use my RoadID bracelet when riding – it has emergency contact and medic-alert info.
Addendum: Many riders (myself included) also carry copies of their drivers licence and health insurance cards when the ride. I carry mine, along with some cash, in a JerseyBin plastic cycling wallet along with my phone. I also wear an Epic ID Emergency Bracelet (click to read my review) that not only has my contact info engraved, but also has it on a built-in flash drive that a first responder can easily stick into a laptop and pull up. You can put your medical history, blood type and other such info on the drive.
It’s also not a bad idea to use either an app (free ones include Life360) or Find a Friend (on iOS phones) to allow your significant other to easily pinpoint your geolocation using the GPS in your phone. And many devices nowadays, including some computers, helmets, locks, etc., have built-in “crash awareness” functionality that can send a pre-recorded text or message to someone in the event that your bike (or you) takes a tumble and you might need help.
Please share your own similar safety tips in the Comments. —J.M.
Road ID app is a great way for someone to follow your route. Use it each time I ride alone. It’s free !
I use the Life360 app and it’s great. My wife can always check my location and make sure I’m OK if I’m “over due,” especially if she knows I’m riding alone.
Glympse is a very useful app that allows some one to follow your progress.
My wife takes great pleasure in meeting me as I come round the corner and into the drive!
+1 for Leslie’s comment. I have used the eCrumbs app from RoadID for years. My wife follows my progress and knows where I am so I am free to wander if the spirit moves me.
With my new Garmin Edge bike computer, I use LiveTracking and my wife actually looks at it and monitors my progress. That’s helpful since my rides are 35-70 miles longs. If I were to need extraction from the route, she can see where I am.
I have used Glympse for over a year and both me and my wife love it. She has used it twice to come get me when I needed assistance. I also love my Garmin 820 which will alert her if I crash. I don’t know how that works…just that it does…